We ask, you tell

April 20, 2008

We recently asked readers: "Do you have advice that helped your small child overcome fear of costumed characters?"

A. For the parent, the best solution is to reassure his safety by picking him up and giving him a hug. This is respecting his emotions. A 3-year-old is not yet able to reason out his fear no matter what he is told. His school teacher needs to prepare him for the costumed character entering the room and allow the child to go to a spot in the classroom where he will feel safe during this time. This allows the child to cope with his own fear because the teacher acknowledged it and allowed him to choose his own safety net within the classroom. In time, with love and reassurance, he will outgrow this fear. In the meantime, don't take him to Chuck E. Cheese. All kids don't have to like it! Mine didn't until they were older than 3!